Sex Offender Convicted of Attempting to Meet Minor for Sex
SIOUX FALLS – A federal jury in Rapid City, South Dakota, has convicted Stephen Fontenot, Jr., age 40, of Black Hawk, South Dakota, of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. The verdict was returned on November 3, 2022.
Federal authorities allege that Fontenot was arrested as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The operation targeted internet predators.
Evidence presented in court established that Fontenot engaged in multiple sexually explicit chats and text messages with an undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old girl. Fontenot proceeded to negotiate a time and place he would meet the minor to engage in unlawful sex acts.
When Fontenot arrived at the pre-determined location to meet the minor, he was met by law enforcement agents and placed under arrest.
Fontenot, if convicted, faces a maximum penalty of 15 years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years up to lifetime of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
DEFENDANT: Stephen Fontenot, Jr.
CRIMINAL CHARGES: Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet, and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography.
CITY, STATE: Rapid City, South Dakota.
DATE: November 3, 2022.
SENTENCE: A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set.
DOLLAR AMOUNT: A maximum fine of $250,000.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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